Kolkata, September 12, 2025

 

A Seminar-cum-Workshop on Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) was organised by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office, Kolkata, on September 12, 2025 at Ispat Bhawan, Steel Authority of India (SAIL), Kolkata. Representatives from industry, business, trade unions and other stakeholders participated in the programme.

Smt. G. Madhumita Das, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Union Ministry of Labour & Employment, was the Chief Guest. Shri B. Lalzamang, Zonal Commissioner (Kolkata, EPFO), was the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Madhumita Das stated that the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is a transformative initiative designed to promote employment opportunities across sectors, with a focus on the manufacturing industry. She underlined that the scheme is expected to benefit lakhs of youth entering the workforce for the first time and will incentivise employers to create sustained jobs.

"PM-VBRY reflects the Government’s commitment to empowering both workers and industries. First-time employees will not only receive direct financial support but also gain access to financial literacy programmes, ensuring they are better prepared for future growth. Employers, in turn, will receive incentives for creating sustainable employment, which will strengthen the economy and expand opportunities,” she said.

Senior officials including Shri S. K. Sharma, Executive Director (Finance), Steel Authority of India Ltd., Shri A. K. Tiwari, Joint President, M/s Birla Jute & Industries Ltd., and representatives from Bharat Chamber of Commerce and Merchant Chamber of Commerce also spoke on the occasion and welcomed the Central Government’s effort in launching the scheme.

The following key features of the PM-VBRY scheme were highlighted during the event:

• The scheme has a financial outlay of about ₹99,446 crore.
• First-time the employees will receive an incentive equal to one month’s EPF wage (up to ₹15,000), payable in two instalments.
• Employers creating new jobs will receive incentives up to ₹3,000 per employee per month for two years; in the manufacturing sector, incentives will be extended to four years. To qualify, each additional employee must be retained in employment for at least six months.
• The scheme will be applicable for jobs created between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the Union Government’s commitment to strengthening employment generation and supporting industries in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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